Right now in the UK, over 200 people a day have their phones or belongings stolen… and most never see it coming.

In this powerful episode of the Westies & Besties Podcast, host Alex Griffin sits down with former SAS operator and MI5 advisor Mick Hawkes to reveal the truth about situational awareness — the skill that could literally save your life.

With over 24 years in the British military, including elite service in the 22 SAS, and decades working in global security across high-risk regions, Mick shares real-world insights from the front lines of danger — and how YOU can apply them in everyday life. From phone thefts and street crime to personal safety while walking your dog, this episode breaks down why so many people are vulnerable — and how to fix it.

🐶 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to never miss Westie tips, health advice, and dog owner stories! 💬 Comment below with your questions we love hearing from our community! 🔗 Share this video with friends who love Westies and dogs!

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Why most people completely miss danger signals

The biggest mistakes people make on their phones in public

How criminals target distracted dog walkers

Simple ways to instantly improve your situational awareness

What SAS and intelligence professionals do differently

Why self-defence alone won’t save you

Real stories from covert missions, security operations & high-risk environments.

🔥Key Topics

The biggest mistake in security: Assuming danger looks obvious and how distraction increases vulnerability

Why mobile phones are the most stolen items and how distraction impacts situational awareness

Practical steps to improve situational awareness and make it second nature

The challenges in UK society regarding security mindset and the importance of proactive learning Insights into security training: Customization, realism, and the pitfalls of tick-box courses

The significance of military experience in security roles and the brain drain from armed forces

The potential for ex-military personnel to transform civilian security industry and gap in industry standards

Emergency responses, active shooter training, and how to prepare for critical situations

The importance of collaboration between military skills and civilian enterprise for national security

How to assess vulnerabilities on private and corporate properties and implement cost-effective security measures

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

🎙 Podcast: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag

🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

Resources & Links:

Hawks & Co - https://www.hawkesandco.uk/

Hero Paws - https://heropaws.org.uk/

What happens when passion for Westies, natural dog health, ethical business, and dog nutrition collide? You build a movement. 🐾

In this episode, Alex Griffin of The Westies & Besties Podcast joins the Wags & Wellness with Rachel Down to share how Westies & Besties Magazine grew into a thriving dog community — championing responsible breeding, holistic dog care, and better nutrition for Westies, Labradors, and dog lovers everywhere.

🐶 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to never miss Westie tips, health advice, and dog owner stories! 💬 Comment below with your questions we love hearing from our community! 🔗 Share this video with friends who love Westies and dogs!

The conversation also explores:

The shift toward holistic and natural dog health

Responsible breeding and the message: “Adopt, don’t shop.”

The growing importance of nutrition — including bone broth for dogs

The expansion into podcasting, YouTube, and new publishing ventures including Who Adores Labradors & Retrievers

This episode is packed with insights for dog owners, pet entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about ethical business, community building, and improving dog health naturally.

“We’re aiming high.”

🐶 What You’ll Learn:

✔ How Westies & Besties Magazine began

✔ Why community is everything for Westie owners

✔ The role of natural health and nutrition in dog wellbeing

✔ The future of ethical publishing in the pet industry

✔ What’s next for Westies, Labradors, and beyond

📌 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:46 The Journey of Westies and Besties Magazine

06:07 Building a Community for Westie Owners

09:00 Ethics and Morals in Business

11:53 The Launch of the Podcast

14:51 Connecting with Westie Owners

17:38 The Importance of Natural Health

20:49 Exploring Other Dog Breeds

23:36 Nutrition and Health for Dogs

26:28 The Role of Bone Broth in Dog Health

29:38 Future Plans and Collaborations

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

🎙 Podcast: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag

🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

🚀 The pet industry is changing fast — and if you don’t adapt, you’ll get left behind.

In this episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, we sit down with Clayton Payne, a leading voice in the pet industry with over 30 years of experience, to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes of pet retail, e-commerce, veterinary innovation, and consumer trust.

From the rise of e-commerce and global competition to the growing importance of specialisation, authority, and education, Clayton shares no-nonsense insights into what independent pet retailers and brands must do to survive — and thrive. We dive deep into AI in veterinary practices, how technology is reshaping customer relationships, and why transparency in pet food, nutrition, and sourcing has never mattered more.

Clayton also explains why social media marketing isn’t optional anymore, how independent retailers can cut through the noise online, and why community and collaboration will define the future of the pet industry. This episode is packed with real-world experience, bold opinions, and practical advice for anyone working in — or passionate about — pets.

🐾 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to get all our Westie tips and expert advice. 💬 Comment below with your Westie’s quirks — we love hearing from our community!

🎧 In this episode, we cover:

• How the pet industry has evolved from retail to e-commerce
• Why independent pet stores must specialise and “own” their niche
• The impact of AI and technology on veterinary care
• Educating today’s pet consumer in a crowded marketplace
• Pet market trends and changing consumer behaviour
• Social media strategies for pet retailers and brands
• Transparency, trust, and value in pet products
• Building stronger communities within the pet industry

💬 Stand-out sound bites:

“You need to dominate your sector.”

“You can’t just put up any post.”

“The more points of view, the better.”

🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/

🎙 Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452

📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

👉 Whether you’re a pet retailer, brand owner, vet professional, or pet industry entrepreneur, this episode offers a powerful look at where the industry is heading — and how to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market.